Phoebe Robinson and Alex Edelman on the power of comedy

TAlthough Phoebe Robinson and Alex Edelman have opposing opinions on the principles of ice cream, both comedians believe in the importance of reaching people through the power of making them laugh.

Robinson, who is also an author, podcast host and co-star of HBO’s “2 Dope Queens,” joined Edelman, whose most recent Broadway show Just for us It recently debuted on HBO at the TIME100 Summit on Wednesday, in a conversation moderated by TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs.

“If you’re making people laugh, they’re listening and receiving it. So now maybe their hearts and minds are a little more open,” Robinson said. “We are definitely missing a lot of lightness right now. Everyone is screaming ‘am I right’, ‘no I’m right’ at this point. Okay, everything may be right and nothing will be accomplished. I really love comedy being that conduit to force openness and change.”

Edelman said the idea of ​​empathy in comedy played a significant role in the premise of Just for us, in which Edelman, raised as an Orthodox Jew, infiltrates a white supremacist meeting. “If you really want to reach someone, you have a much better chance if you extend your empathy and try to listen to them without trying to convince them,” he said.

Edelman would also do Q&As with the audience after each of his shows. “Americans have this desperate desire to not just have empathy, but to have empathy for others,” he said. “And there’s actually not a lot of media outlets for that.”

As for where comedy is going, Edelman said it seems like there are two comedy “teams” these days: long-form, in stand-up shows or live specials, and short-form, found more on TikTok or Instagram.

“We’re giving the audience a lot of comedy, and I wonder what will break through the noise and what is elusive. And I think communicating the truth in a more interesting way.”

Robinson said he’s sure the comedy will see exciting developments in the future, as it has in previous seasons. “I personally am not that worried about the state of comedy. Something big is going to happen and change things a little.”

The conversation began with a digression on dairy, when the two comedians disagreed about flavors. Edelman argued against the trend toward gourmet-style flavors, saying that hypothetical flavors like Earl Grey, blue cheese and pear, and strawberry balsamic are not ice creams but “salad dressings.”

“We need really good, regular ice cream flavors again. And that’s why I’m running for president,” he said, to applause.

Robinson ended his participation. “Listen, I just want to say that there can be a diversity of flavors in ice cream. It doesn’t just have to be traditional flavors.”

“Okay, now I feel uncomfortable,” Edelman responded.

“Exactly, come on,” Robinson said. “Making white men uncomfortable is my platform for president.”

The TIME100 Summit brings together leaders from the global TIME100 community to highlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. This year’s summit features a variety of speakers from diverse sectors, including politics, business, health and science, culture and more.

TIME100 Summit 2024 speakers include actor Elliot Page, designer Tory Burch, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, author Margaret Atwood, NYSE President Lynn Martin, professor Yoshua Bengio, the 68th Secretary of State John Kerry, actress Jane Fonda, and many more.

The TIME100 Summit was presented by Booking.com, Citi, Merck, Northern Data Group, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey and Verizon.